Dear Friends - As busy as we all are this holiday season, will you consider taking 15 minutes or less to write a letter on behalf of children in need?  It's a local issue, so it's close to home! 

 

The idea of this group home for children worries some people, who have been very vocal about it, as is their right.  I've spoken with the folks at the charity involved, and feel the issue was quite compelling.  It was also written up in the Naperville Sun on Friday, 12/15/06. 

 

 Most of the information is below, but I've attached a more detailed fact sheet.  I've also included more DuPage County Board addresses - the matter may end up being decide by the full Board. My apologies if someone else from St. Raphael's has sent this to you already! One more act of mercy for Christmas! Mike Huck630-421-0295 

 

Take action by 1/4/07and help vulnerable migrant & refuge children in Illinois!

 

• Up to 5,000 children arrive in the United States with needs for assistance, support and protection every year because they have been separated from their families, are refugees or are victims of human trafficking.  In some instances, their parents have been injured or killed.

 

• These children are extremely vulnerable and need to be reunited with their families or relatives. Each of them has been documented by the Department of Homeland Security, which seeks to place them with a charity until their case can be resolved.

 

• Heartland Naperville, part of the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, will provide short-term housing, care and family reunification services for up to 30 unaccompanied children from India and China. They seek to purchase an existing home on Hobson Road in an unincorporated area of DuPage County.

 

·        Founded in 1888 as Travelers Aid, Heartland Alliance has over a century of experience as a non-profit in Illinois, providing direct services to vulnerable populations.  They have successfully run a similar home in Chicago for 11 years.

 

• Heartland Naperville will be designed to meet the needs of these children on many levels, from the basic provision of housing and care to the goal of family reunification while protecting the best interests of the child.  The children will receive education through home schooling and will not be enrolled in the local school system. The program will fully fund medical care and staff will supervise the children 24 hours a day.  Visitations will be at an off-site location.

 

• The DuPage County Zoning Board will meet on January 4, 2007 to review this matter.  If it passes, it will go to the DuPage County Board.  Letters of support are urgently needed for both groups.

 

By January 4, 2007Mr. Paul HossZoning DirectorRegulatory Services- DuPage County421 N. County Farm Rd.Wheaton, IL 60187Fax: (630) 407-6702

 

By January 9, 2007County Offices:Jack T. Knuepfer Admin Bldg
421 N. County Farm RoadWheaton, IL 60187

 

County Board Chairman
Robert J. SchillerstromJack T. Knuepfer Admin Bldg
Chairman@dupageco.org County Board Member - District 5Michael G. Connellymconnelly@dupageco.org County Board Member - District 5James D. Healyjhealy@dupageco.org County Board Member – District 5Robert W. Schroeder
rschroeder@dupageco.org

   

SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT

 Date:

 

 Dear:

 

 I am writing to demonstrate my support for Heartland Human Care Services’ application for a conditional use permit for the property located on Hobson Road in Naperville. Speaking as someone who lives and works in the Naperville area (insert some details on your personal background)… I strongly support their efforts to provide housing and protection for unaccompanied children from China and India. As part of the diverse community of the Naperville area, I am pleased that they have chosen this particular site and hope to welcome them to our community. (Feel free to add other facts or details) Heartland Human Care Services has a strong track record of providing care for vulnerable youth and families in the Chicago region.  I support this organization and their services and urge the zoning board to support their application for this conditional use permit.

 Sincerely,  

 Insert name, title/affiliation and contact information